Emmalee,

It's been almost a year since Jesus decided to take you home. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of you everyday.

Your family misses you an awful lot, but they love to remember you. When they post about you, everyone remembers you as the beautiful soul and spirit you were. That's how you'll always be remembered.

You know, even people you barely hung out with miss you. People you barely talked to. Childhood friends. Teachers. Classmates. Underclassmen that looked up to you. Some say they feel bad missing you, because they weren't that close to you. Personally, I think that's a huge compliment to you. People miss your presence, Em. We miss your laugh.

I miss the way you would always laugh at the worst jokes, and you would always look out for the underdog. I vividly remember you sticking up for a girl you didn't know after someone called her fat. And I remember admiring you for that.

You never really cared about labels in high school. I remember you being so incredibly humble when you made homecoming court.

Sometimes I forget that your gone. I'll see something that reminds me of you and want to send it to you, or a memory will show up on Facebook and I'll want to reminisce with you about it. But then I remember.

Over summer break I found myself almost texting you a few times asking if you wanted to hang out. Just to be reminded of the cold reality.

But the truth is, Em, I know where you are. Mrs. Chesmore spoke about you, at a prayer service we had for you. She said during your confirmation, with her as your mentor, she got to see you grow so much in your faith. I'll never forget this. When she said this, I remember seeing in my mind Jesus holding you so tight. You were safe, and happy, and in peace.

You know, your death wasn't easy on anyone. We had to have your funeral in the high school gym because so many people wanted to honor you and remember you. This year hasn't been easy, but I find peace in knowing that you are in heavenly peace.

I was scared to write this letter to you, Emmalee. I wanted it to be perfect. It's choppy and it's written with a scattered mind. But I needed to do it. So, I hope you are smiling down on me and enjoying heaven. I miss you. I love you. See you when I pass through the golden gates.

Sincerely,

An Old Friend